Telesat Offers Lightspeed as Temporary Solution for Europe's IRIS2 Initiative
Telesat, a Canadian company, has proposed its Lightspeed satellite network as a temporary solution for Europe's IRIS2 initiative. IRIS2, a €9 billion project, aims to create an independent, secure satellite communication network for European governments and critical infrastructure by 2027. However, as of Stand Oktober 2025, no European government has officially announced any collaboration with Telesat for Lightspeed in relation to IRIS2.
Telesat has pitched Lightspeed to the U.S. Department of Defense for its 'Golden Dome' initiative, demonstrating the network's potential for global defense applications. IRIS2, on the other hand, is an ambitious European project that plans to launch a constellation of over 290 satellites, mostly in low Earth orbit (LEO), to ensure strategic autonomy and independence in satellite communications. The decline in satellite video broadcasting is putting pressure on legacy operators, with wholesale video revenues dropping by 20% over four years. This decline has led Telesat to focus on broadband services rather than launching new broadcast satellites. Telesat is open to collaborating with governments, including the Government of Canada and European governments, to leverage Lightspeed before IRIS2's full deployment. Legacy GEO operators are adapting to changing geopolitical situations and evolving defense needs, with Telesat seeing Lightspeed as a means to support Canada's defense spending boost and other governments seeking sovereign or allied LEO capabilities.
As of now, no European government has publicly announced a collaboration with Telesat for Lightspeed in relation to IRIS2. However, Telesat's proposal highlights the potential of Lightspeed as a bridge to IRIS2, and the company is open to discussions with governments. The evolving geopolitical landscape and defense needs may influence future decisions regarding satellite communication networks.
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